Enhanced herbicides

ABSTRACT

The invention provides, improved herbicide compositions, methods of making the compositions and methods of controlling plant growth. The subject invention relates to combining fatty acid based and other herbicides with succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives and other additives such as those having essentially no herbicidal activity to increase the activity of the herbicide and provide methods of controlling plant growth by applying a combination of a herbicidal fatty acid with succinic acid and/or succinic acid derivative chemicals and/or other additives. In addition to the use of succinic acid, combining other Krebs cycle acids with herbicides can also provide beneficial effects. Concentrations of herbicides and additives applied to plants in accordance with the invention can include compositions involving 0.1 to 30% herbicide, preferably 0.5 to 15% herbicide and additive and more preferably 1-8% herbicide. The ratio of herbicide, such as fatty acid herbicide to activity enhancing additives can be from 1:10 to 20:1, preferably 1:1 to 20:1, most preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/692,763, filed on Oct. 19, 2000, which is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 09/427,476, filed Oct. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,336 dated Apr. 17, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to herbicides, methods of improving existing herbicides and controlling the growth of plant life and more particularly to methods and products involving succinate-based chemicals and other additives which can enhance the activity (effectiveness) of herbicidal compounds. As used herein, herbicidal refers to materials which destroy or inhibit plant growth, such as by desiccation or defoliation, for example, to act as a harvest aid or to control weed growth.

Glyphosate and paraquat are the number 1 and 2 non-selective herbicides used worldwide. Paraquat is extremely toxic and therefore unacceptable for many applications. Glyphosate can be slow acting, commonly requiring 1 to 2 weeks to achieve plant death and is therefore also unsuitable for many herbicide applications.

Other conventionally known herbicides include fatty acids, such as pelargonic acid, a nine carbon fatty acid, and caprylic acid, an eight carbon fatty acid. Scythe, sold by Mycogen/Dow and Liberty, made by AgrEvo are known commercially available herbicides. Pelargonic acid is the active ingredient in SCYTHE and glufosinate-ammonium is the active ingredient in LIBERTY. However, the activity of these products is such that the cost of products such as SCYTHE can be undesirably high and the amount of active ingredients needed in products such as paraquat could lead to undesirable effects.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved herbicides, methods for enhancing the activity of existing herbicides and methods of controlling plant growth in order to overcome inadequacies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, improved herbicide compositions, methods of making the compositions and methods of controlling plant growth are provided. The subject invention relates to combining fatty acid based and other herbicides with succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives and other additives such as those having essentially no herbicidal activity to increase the activity of the herbicide and provide methods of controlling plant growth by applying a combination of a herbicidal fatty acid with succinic acid and/or succinic acid derivative chemicals and/or other additives. In addition to the use of succinic acid, combining other Krebs cycle acids with herbicides can also provide beneficial effects. Concentrations of herbicides and additives applied to plants in accordance with the invention can include compositions involving about 0.1 to 30% herbicide and additive, preferably 0.5 to 15% herbicide and additive and more preferably 1-8% herbicide and additive. The ratio of herbicide, such as fatty acid herbicide to activity enhancing additive can be from about 1:10 to 20:1, preferably 1:1 to 20:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide improved herbicidal compositions.

Another object of the invention is to provide additives which can enhance the activity of herbicidal compositions.

Yet another object of the invention is to improve the safety of herbicides.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved methods of plant control.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the compositions possessing the characteristics, properties and the relation of constituents useful to effect such steps, which will be exemplified in the compositions hereinafter described, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is directed to improved herbicidal compositions. Herbicides, such as those including fatty acids as the active ingredient can be formulated at low fatty acid concentration and have relatively low herbicidal activity or at higher fatty acid concentration and have enhanced activity. However, it has been found that certain additives, such as organic acids and their derivatives, which may have substantially no herbicidal activity can enhance the herbicidal activity of herbicidal fatty acids and other herbicides and provide herbicides with either enhanced activity or reduced fatty acid concentrations. Preferred additives include those organic acids which are part of the Krebs cycle and in particular, succinic acid as well as succinic acid derivatives. Thus, substantially safe non-herbicidal additives are combined with G.R.A.S. (generally recognized as safe by the FDA) herbicidal compounds such as fatty acids, and the result is a generally safe herbicide with enhanced activity.

The following examples demonstrate the synergistic relationship between additives (such as succinic acid) and fatty acid herbicides such as caprylic acid, pelargonic acid and others. Other synergistic relationships between organic acids (for example, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and lactic acid) with caprylic acid as the fatty acid were also exhibited. In general, with the exception of tartaric acid, there was a general lack of correspondence between the acidity of the organic acid and the degree of synergy of the organic acid with caprylic acid. It was determined that tartaric acid (e.g. L-tartaric acid) exhibited particularly high performance enhancement of caprylic acid across a wide variety of plant types.

A synergistic relationship between succinic acid and sodium salicylate was also demonstrated where the effect of succinic acid alone on the plants treated was negligible.

Accordingly, it has been determined that combining certain organic acids and compounds having a significant herbicidal effect, such as pelargonic, caprylic, caproic, capric and oleic acid, and also such acids as acetic, butyric, valeric, hexanoic and heptanoic acid and compounds such as sodium salicylate, glyphosate (in Round Up) or glufosinate-ammonium with other organic acids and additives including those having substantially no herbicidal effect could enhance herbicidal activity and reduce costs, environmentally undesirable effects or be otherwise more convenient to use.

Effective additives include succinic acid and succinic acid derivatives such as dimethyl succinic acid, calcium succinate, magnesium succinate, diammonium succinate and ammonium succinate as well as certain other organic acids, such as tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid and plant oils such as limonene and pine oil, especially Unipine (a pine oil derivative available from Busche, Boake & Allen, Inc.), as well as other additives including ammonium sulfate, ammonium tartrate, ammonium chloride and sodium salicylate.

In order to confirm that additives in accordance with the invention provided an enhanced herbicidal effect, a number of experiments were performed in which only fatty acids or other herbicides were applied to plants, the additives alone were applied and the fatty acids plus the additives were applied. The herbicides were applied in the “spray to drip” amount or at a calibrated 20-60 gallons/acre. “Spray to drip” is an uncalibrated application of fluid to foliage, where sufficient spray volume is used to sufficiently saturate the foliage surface until excess fluid begins to drip from the foliage. In general, about 5 to 200 gallons/acre, preferably 20-100 gallons/acre can be effective.

Fatty acids above 6-7 carbon atoms tend to be relatively insoluble in water. Caprylic and pelargonic acids are 8 and 9 carbon acids respectively and require a solvent, such as acetone or an emulsifier to help prevent separation between aqueous and lipid phases. Herbicides can be provided in concentrated form and then diluted at the point of use.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described more clearly with reference to the following examples, which are intended to be interpreted as exemplary and not in a limiting sense.

EXAMPLE 1

Potato field trial: two varieties (Snowden and Russet Burbank) Comparison of Desiccate II with experimental formulations Average injury rating* & (% vine injury) (days after 1^(st) application) Snowden Russet Burbank Treatment: Day 5 Day 8 Day 15 Day 5 Day 8 Day 15 1 Desiccate II (2.175 quart/acre) 0 (0) 30 (10) 100 (100) 50 (40) 60 (70) 100 (96)  2 4% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 90 (70) 100 (94)  100 (100) 97 (90) 98 (95) 100 (100) 3 4% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic 90 (70) 96 (92) 100 (100) 95 (90) 98 (97) 100 (100) 4 4% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic + 1% sodium salicylate 90 (80) 100 (98)  100 (100) 95 (90) 96 (92) 100 (100) 5 4% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 25 (0)  40 (10) 95 (90) 70 (60) 98 (92) 100 (100) 6 6% caprylic/capric + 0.5% succinic 95 (75) 100 (90)  100 (100) 80 (70) 98 (94) 100 (100) *Injury rating based on scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot Second application 5 days after 1^(st) application; each at 87 G/a (45 psi) Treatment #1 contained 0.125% Wilfarm Crop Oil Concentrate Treatments #2-4 and 6 contained 0.83% Emsorb 6900, 0.43% mineral oil and 1% Hasten Treatment #5 contained 0.3% Sylgard 309 Summary: all experimental treatments (#2-6) better than treatment #1 (Desiccate II)

EXAMPLE 2

Potato field trial: 2 applications of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injury rating*, average per plot Treatment Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 5 1 5% pelargonic 4.07 4 4.13 4.43 2 5% pelargonic + 4.23 4.23 4.47 4.57 1% di-ammonium succinate 3 5% caprylic/capric + 3.87 3.9 4.03 4.4 1% di-ammonium succinate 4 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 1 1.5 1.67 3 *Injury rating, based on a scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot 1% Hasten in treatments 1, 2 and 3. For treatment 4: 0.125% Wilfarm Crop Oil Concentrate. Treatments 1, 2 and 3 also had 0.86% Emsorb 6900 and 0.43% mineral oil Plot size: 3X6 feet. Each treatment group had 3 replicates 40-42 G/acre, with <45 psi for 1^(st)application and 45 psi for 2^(nd)application 2^(nd)treatment applied 2 days after 1^(st)treatment Variety: Katahdin (thick canopy), with active growth (irrigated) Summary: 1) treatments 1-3 superior to treatment 4 (Desiccate II), 2) perlagonic acid enhanced by di-ammonium succinate

EXAMPLE 3

Dry bean (navy) field trial: single application of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation, day 14 Treatment Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 14 foliage vines pod 1 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 3.375 3.8 4.55 4.68 4.625 90 50 60 2 4% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.325 4.35 4.7 4.73 4.763 98 90 97 3 4% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.413 4.43 4.76 4.83 4.8 98 90 97 4 4% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 4.388 4.38 4.68 4.73 4.775 95 80 97 *Injury rating, based on a scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot 1% Hasten in treatments 2, 3 and 0.3% Sylgard 309 in treatment 4. Treatment 1 had 0.125% Wilfarm Crop Oil Concentrate Treatments 2 and 3 also contained 0.86% Emsorb 6900 and 0.43% mineral oil Plot size = 3 × 6 feet, with 4 replicates (plots) per treatment group 40 gallons per acre at 45 psi for one application Dry bean variety (navy): Vista Field Summary: Treatments 2-4 were superior to treatment 1 (Desiccate II)

EXAMPLE 4

Bean (black) trial: single application of selected herbicides, including Desiccate II Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation, day 19 Treatment: Day 1 Day 3 Day 7 Day 9 Day 19 foliage vines pods 1 Desiccate II (1.5 quarts/acre) 1.75 4.35 4.5 4.7 4.88 97 99 100 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.3 4.55 4.55 4.7 4.9 99 99 100 3 3% pelargonic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.55 4.75 4.78 4.85 5 100 100 100 4 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 4.5 4.7 4.7 4.83 5 100 100 100 *Injury rating, based on a scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot 1% Hastern in treatments 2, 3 and 0.3% Sylgard 309 in treatment 4. Treatment 1 had 0.125% Wilfarm Crop Oil Concentrate Treatment 2 and 3 also contained 0.86% Emsorb 6900 and 0.43% mineral oil Plot size: 3 × 6 feet, with 2 replicates (plots) per treatment group 40 gallons per acre at 45 psi for one application Dry bean variety: black, T39 Field Summary: Treatments 2-4 superior to treatment 1

EXAMPLE 5

Synergistic interactions of succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate with herbicidal compounds, on navy dry beans Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation (Day 12) Treatment: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 12 foliage vines pods 1 3% caprylic 3.5 3.93 3.93 4 4.2 50 10 80 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.43 4.43 4.6 4.5 4.7 95 70 85 3 3% caprylic + 2% succinic acid 4.5 4.47 4.57 4.5 4.8 99 85 90 4 3% caprylic + 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 4.47 4.43 4.67 4.6 4.8 99 90 99 5 3% sodium salicylate 3.8 4.13 4.57 4.5 4.7 92 70 90 6 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 3.93 4.27 4.63 4.6 4.8 95 85 92 7 3% sodium salicylate + 2% succinic acid 4.2 4.4 4.67 4.6 4.9 97 80 95 8 3% sodium salicylate + 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 4.4 4.43 4.72 4.6 4.9 97 90 95 9 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 2% succinic acid 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *Injury rating, based on a scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot Treatments 1-4, 9-11: each in 0.86% Emsorb 6900, 0.43% mineral oil, 1% Hasten Treatments 5-8, 12-14: each in 0.3% Sylgard 309 Succinic (2%) and di-ammonium succinate (2.52%) are equimolar Plot size: 3 × 6 feet. Each treatment group had 3 replicates One application at 40 G/acre, 45 psi Variety: dry bean (navy Vista) Field Summary: both succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate were synergistic with sodium salicylate and caprylic acid

EXAMPLE 6

Synergistic interactions of succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate with other herbicidal compounds, on dry beans (black) Injury rating*, average per plot % desiccation (Day 12) Treatment: Day 2 Day 12 foliage vines pods 1 3% caprylic 4 4.73 80 92 95 2 3% caprylic + 0.5% succinic acid 4.37 4.87 97 95-98 90 3 3% caprylic + 2% succinic acid 4.43 4.92 99 98 97 4 3% caprylic + 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 4.37 4.9 99 95-97 85 5 3% sodium salicylate 4 4.78 95 90 90 6 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic acid 4.23 4.87 99 98 92 7 3% sodium salicylate + 2% succinic acid 4.07 4.88 99 95 90 8 3% sodium salicylate + 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 4.37 4.8 99 92 80 9 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 10 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 11 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 12 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 13 2% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 0 14 2.52% di-ammonium succinate 0 0 0 0 0 *Injury rating, based on a scale of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants/plot Treatments 1-4, 9-11: each in 0.86% Emsorb 6900, 0.43% mineral oil, 1% Hasten Treatments 5-8, 12-14: each in 0.3% Sylgard 309 Succinic (2%) and di-ammonium succinate (2.52%) are equimolar Plot size: 3 × 6 feet. Each treatment group had 3 replicates One application at 40 G/acre, 45 psi Variety: black beans (dry bean variety T39) Summary: both succinic acid and di-ammonium succinate were synergistic with sodium salicylate and caprylic acid

EXAMPLE 7

Enhancement of caprylic acid/ sodium salicylate as an herbicide, by succinic acid Relative injury rating* (average, based on 2 ratings) Succinic All Treatment acid (%) potatoes plants 1 0.25% caprylic + 0 3 8.5 0.25% sodium salicylate 2 0.25% caprylic + 0.5 5 17 0.25% sodium salicylate 3 0.25% caprylic + 1 6 17.6 0.25% sodium salicylate 4 0.25% caprylic + 1.5 7.7 19.7 0.25% sodium salicylate 5 0.25% caprylic + 2 6.8 18.9 0.25% sodium salicylate 6 0.5% caprylic + 0 4.8 15.1 0.5% sodium salicylate 7 0.5% caprylic + 0.5 5.3 17.7 0.5% sodium salicylate 8 0.5% caprylic + 1 5.5 19.7 0.5% sodium salicylate 9 0.5% caprylic + 1.5 7 21.3 0.5% sodium salicylate 10 0.5% caprylic + 2 7.5 22.1 0.5% sodium salicylate *A rating of 1-5 given (5 = complete desiccation of all plants), for each treatment (1-2 plants/pot) Two independent evaluations (ratings) performed Helena Kinetic at 0.2% used for all treatments All formulations in 30% acetone Spray to drip applications to dry beans, snapbeans and potato plants

EXAMPLE 8

Effect of 1% succinic acid on herbicidal activity of Liberty and Scythe Total score for all injury Treatment ratings* 1 4% Scythe 66 2 2% Scythe 54.2 3 2% Scythe + 1% succinic 56.1 4 2% Scythe + 0.25% caprylic + 56.3 0.25% sodium salicylate 5 2% Scythe + 0.25% caprylic + 60.3 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 6 2% Scythe + 0.5% sodium salicylate 47.5 7 Liberty (4 oz/gal) 87.8 8 Liberty (2 oz/gal) 76.6 9 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 1% succinic 81 10 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 77 0.25% sodium salicylate 11 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 78.4 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 12 Liberty (2 oz/gal) + 0.5% sodium salicylate 75.7 13 Liberty (1 oz/gal) 65.9 14 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 1% succinic 70.3 15 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 67.6 0.25% sodium salicylate 16 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.25% caprylic + 72.1 0.25% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic 17 Liberty (1 oz/gal) + 0.5% sodium salicylate 70.8 *Injury rating based on 1 to 6, where 6 = complete desiccation of plant. Six independent evaluations performed and all scores, based on ratings for nutsedge, snapbeans and Kentucky bluegrass, where given as a total score for each treatment Kinetic at 0.2% used for all treatments. Applications of treatments made via spray to drip. Snapbeans (full bean production), nutsedge (6-8 inches, height) and bluegrass (blade height 3 inches) 1% succinic acid = zero rating. Succinic was synergistic with those combinations given above.

EXAMPLE 9

Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra's herbicidal activity on snapbeans and potatoes using 1% succinic acid Average injury rating* Treatment potatoes snapbeans 1 RoundUp Ultra, 1.25% 4.48 2.92 2 RoundUp Ultra, 1.25% + 1% succinic acid 4.67 4.78 3 RoundUp Ultra, 0.25% 3.35 2.82 4 RoundUp Ultra, 0.25% + 1% succinic acid 4.37 3.2 *Rating of 1 to 6 = complete desiccation Average rating based on 6 independent evaluations of injury to plants Application rate of 1.25% RoundUp Ultra at 40 G/acre = 2 quarts/acre (0.25% RoundUp Ultra at 40 G/acre = 0.4 quarts/acre) Mature snapbeans (with beans pods) and potatoes at 6-8 inches in height were used Summary: succinic acid synergistic with RoundUp

EXAMPLE 10

Succinic acid enhancement of herbicidal activities: sodium salicylate +/− caprylic acid Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 0.75% caprylic + 0.75% sodium salicylate 45.1 2.82 2 0.75% caprylic + 0.75% sodium salicylate + 60.3 3.77 1% succinic acid 3 1% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 50.1 3.13 4 1% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 61.1 3.82 1% succinic acid 5 1.5% sodium salicylate 56.2 3.51 6 1.5% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic acid 62.5 3.91 *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Three independent evaluations were done Test plants for spray to drip application: Kentucky bluegrass, velvetleaf, foxtail, tomato, potato and snapbeans All spray solutions contained 30% acetone and 0.3% Sylgard 309 Caprylic acid was v/v and succinic acid and sodium salicylate were at wt/v Summary: Succinic acid enhanced effectiveness

EXAMPLE 11

Enhancement of herbicide formulations with 1% succinic acid Average Treatment injury rating 1 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 31.6 2 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium sulfate 41.4 3 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium sulfate 0.5% ammonium chloride 41.6 4 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium chloride 39.2 5 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium sulfate 1% succinic acid 46.8 6 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium sulfate 0.5% ammonium chloride 1% succinic acid 44.6 7 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 0.5% ammonium chloride 1% succinic acid 43.6 8 0.5% caprylic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 40 *A rating of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all plants Three independent evaluations (ratings) performed Helena Kinetic at 0.1% used for all applications All formulations in 30% acetone Spray to drip applications to snapbeans and potato plants

EXAMPLE 12

Succinic acid enhancement of herbicidal activities: sodium salicylate combined with hexanoic, acetic or caprylic/capric acid Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 2% hexanoic + 1% sodium salicylate 44.1 3.68 2 2% hexanoic + 1% sodium salicylate + 55.8 4.65 1% succinic 3 3% acetic + 1% sodium salicylate 47.1 3.93 4 3% acetic + 1% sodium salicylate + 54.4 4.53 1% succinic 5 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate 50 4.17 6 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate + 54.4 4.53 1% succinic 7 2% caprylic/capric + 1% sodium salicylate + 56.7 4.73 2% succinic *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations were done Test plants for spray to drip application: velvetleaf, corn snapbeans, foxtail and tomatoes All spray solutions contained 30% acetone and 0.3% Sylgard 309 Acetic, hexanoic and caprylic/capric acid were v/v and succinic acid was wt/v Caprylic/capric (caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively).

EXAMPLE 13

Succinic acid enhancement of oleic acid/sodium salicylate herbicidal activity Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment to drip per pot 1 2% oleic acid 26.4 2.2 2 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium salicylate 37.9 3.16 3 2% oleic acid + 1% sodium salicylate + 49.2 4.1 1% succinic acid 4 2% oleic acid + 1% succinic acid 28.1 2.33 *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations were done Test plants for spray to drip: lambsquarter, velvetleaf, foxtail, nutsedge and potatoes All spray solutions contained 50% acetone and 0.3% Sylgard 309 Oleic acid was v/v and succinic acid and sodium salicylate was wt/v Summary: Sodium salicylate and succinic acid enhance effectiveness

EXAMPLE 14

Succinic acid enhancement of oleic acid/sodium salicylate herbicidal activity Total Injury rating* Average Spray rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Total per pot 1 2% oleic acid 23.5 22.3 45.8 1.91 2 2% oleic acid + 52.3 34.7 87 3.63 1% sodium salicylate 3 2% oleic acid + 63.8 37.1 101 4.2 1% sodium salicylate + 1% succinic acid *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Both 60 gallons/acre and spray to drip applications were made. Two independent evaluations for both 60 G/a and spray to drip applications Test plants for 60 G/a: lambsquarter, foxtail and velvetleaf Test plants for spray to drip: snapbeans, corn and tomatoes All spray solutions contained 50% acetone and 0.3% Sylgard 309 Oleic acid was v/v and succinic acid and sodium salicylate was wt/v

EXAMPLE 15

Cotton desiccation: comparison of Scythe with formulations containing caprylic/capric, sodium salicylate and succinic acid Average rating* Average rating Three evaluations for all 3 Treatment 1 2 3 evaluations 1 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Sylgard 309 4 3.5 3.6 3.7 2 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Hasten 3.8 4.1 4 3.97 3 2% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 1% succinic acid 0.3% Hasten 4.2 4.5 4.4 4.4 4 2% Scythe (1.2% active ingredients) 2 2 2 2 5 4% Scythe (2.4% active ingredients) 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.27 *rating based on visual injury rating of 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of cotton foliage Cotton variety = DeltaPine NuCotn 33-b All treatments (except Scythe) in 30% acetone Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e. Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Applications at 60 gallons/acre

EXAMPLE 16

Herbicide activity of caprylic acid/sodium salicylate +/− succinic acid Total Injury Treatment rating* 1 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 97.7 2 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 0.5% succinic 97.9 3 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate + 1.5% succinic 97.9 4 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate + 1.5% succinic 99.9 5 1% caprylic + 3% sodium salicylate 79.8 6 3% caprylic + 1% sodium salicylate 91.3 *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Both 60 gallons/acre and spray to drip applications were made. Two independent evaluations for both 60 G/a and spray to drip applications Test plants for 60 G/a: lambsquarter, foxtail and Kentucky bluegrass Test plants for spray to drip: nutsedge, foxtail and velvetleaf All spray solutions contained 30% acetone and 0.3% Hasten Caprylic acid was v/v and succinic acid and sodium salicylate were wt/v

EXAMPLE 17

Herbicidal activity of caproic acid with other compounds: succinic acid and sodium salicylate Total injury ratings* Spray Total Treatment 60 G/a to drip score 1 2% caproic 11.2 7.3 18.5 2 2% caproic + 1% succinic 13.8 7.6 21.4 3 2% caproic + 2% succinic 12.7 7.1 19.8 4 3% caproic 13.9 7 20.9 5 3% caproic + 1% succinic 14.1 7.9 22 6 3% caproic + 2% succinic 14.5 8.2 22.7 7 2% caproic + 1% sodium salicylate 13.5 8.7 22.2 8 2% caproic + 1% sodium salicylate + 16.7 9.2 25.9 1% succinic *For 60 G/a: 4 pots/treatment, testing lambsquarter, pigweed and velvetleaf *For spray to drip: 2 pots/treatment, testing lambsquarter and foxtail For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1-5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants All solutions included 1% Emsorb 6900 and 0.3% Hasten Summary: sodium salicylate and succinic acid enhance effectiveness

EXAMPLE 18

Herbicidal activity of caprylic acid combined with other compounds (i.e., salts of succinate +/− sodium salicate) Total injury ratings* Spray Total Treatment 60 G/a to drip Score 1 2% caprylic 61 8.2 69.2 2 2% caprylic + 67.9 8.8 76.7 1.5% diammonium succinate 3 2% caprylic + 58 7.6 65.6 1.5% potassium succinate 4 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium salicylate 63.7 7.8 71.5 5 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium salicylate + 70 8.6 78.6 1.5% diammonium succinate 6 2% caprylic + 1.5% sodium salicylate + 58.9 7.5 66.4 1.5% potassium succinate *For 60 G/a: 8 total pots/treatment, testing lambsquarter, pigweed, velvetleaf and foxtail *For spray to drip: 2 total pots/treatment, testing velvetleaf and foxtail Evaluations made: 2 for plants treated at 60 G/a and 1 evaluation for “spray to drip” For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1-5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants All treatments included 1% Emsorb 6900

EXAMPLE 19

Efficacy of caprylic with succinic or ammonium succinate, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluations Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 2% caprylic 73.6 49.8 123.4 4.11 2 2% caprylic + 76.1 54.5 130.6 4.35 1.5% ammonium succinate 3 2% caprylic + 76.4 57.7 134.1 4.47 3% ammonium succinate 4 2% caprylic + 80.6 52.4 133 4.43 1.5% succinic acid *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations done for both 60 G/a and spray to drip Test plants for 60 G/a: black nightshade, redroot pigweed, lambsquarter, foxtail, velvetleaf and snapbeans Test plants for spray to drip: redroot pigweed, lambsquarter, velvetleaf and foxtail All spray solutions contained 1% emsorb (Henkel) and 0.3% Hasten Caprylic acid was at v/v and succinic acid and ammonium succinate were at wt/v

EXAMPLE 20

Efficacy of caprylic with succinic or ammonium succinate, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluations Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 3% caprylic 142 36.6 178.4 4.05 2 3% caprylic + 145 37.5 182.2 4.14 0.5% ammonium succinate 3 3% caprylic + 145 39.8 185 4.2 1.5% ammonium succinate 4 3% caprylic + 151 44.6 195.9 4.45 1.5% succinic acid *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations done for both 60 G/a and spray to drip Test plants for 60 G/a: black nightshade, redroot pigweed, foxtail, lambsquarter and snapbeans Test plants for spray to drip: redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, nutsedge and foxtail All spray solutions contained 1% emsorb (Henkel) and 0.3% Hasten Caprylic acid was at v/v and succinic acid and ammonium succinate were at wt/v

EXAMPLE 21

Efficacy of 1.5% succinic acid with oleic, caprylic or pelargonic acid, as herbicides in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluation Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 3% oleic 24.2 9.4 33.6 1.2 2 3% oleic + 27.3 8.7 36 1.29 1.5% succinic 3 3% caprylic 88.1 35.4 123.5 4.41 4 3% caprylic + 91.5 37.5 129 4.61 1.5% succinic 5 3% pelargonic 85.3 37.6 122.9 4.39 6 3% pelargonic + 91.2 37.4 128.6 4.59 1.5% succinic *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations done for both 60 G/a and spray to drip Test plants for 60 G/a: velvetleaf, black nightshade, redroot pigweed, foxtail and snapbeans Test plants for spray to drip: black nightshade, velvetleaf, foxtail and snapbeans All spray solutions contained 1% Emsorb (Henkel) and 0.3% Hasten Oleic, caprylic and pelargonic at v/v and succinic acid at wt/v Succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero. Succinic acid was synergistic with oleic, caprylic and pelargonic acids

EXAMPLE 22

Efficacy of caprylic + sodium salicylate + succinic acid, as an herbicide in an emulsification system (Emsorb 6900) Injury rating*, total score for 2 evaluation Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 2% caprylic + 58.5 62 120.5 3.08 1.5% succinic 2 2% caprylic + 65 64.1 129.1 3.31 1.5% succinic + 1% sodium salicylate 3 3% caprylic + 68.7 68.1 136.8 3.51 1.5% succinic 4 3% caprylic + 72 71.1 143.1 3.67 1.5% succinic + 1% sodium salicylate 5 4% caprylic + 71 66.6 137.6 3.53 1.5% succinic *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations done for both 60 G/a and spray to drip Test plants for 60 G/a: redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, snapbeans, cotton and potatoes Test plants for spray to drip: black nightshade, lambsquarter, foxtail and snapbeans All spray solutions contained 1% Emsorb (Henkel) and 0.3% Hasten Caprylic acid was at v/v and succinic acid and sodium salicylate were at wt/v Succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero. Succinic acid was synergistic with oleic, caprylic and pelargonic acids

EXAMPLE 23

Herbicidal activity: relationships between caprylic acid and succinic acid +/− ammonium sulfate Total Injury ratings, combined, for two separate evaluations* Spray Total Average Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating rating/pot 1 4% caprylic acid 60.7 56.1 116.8 4.49 2 4% caprylic acid + 63.9 57 120.9 4.65 0.5% succinic acid 3 4% caprylic acid + 61.6 55.6 117.2 4.51 1% succinic acid 4 4% caprylic acid + 59.4 57.4 116.8 4.49 2% succinic acid 5 4% caprylic acid + 60.4 56.6 117 4.5 0.5% succinic acid + ammonium sulfate 6 4% caprylic acid + 64 57.8 121.8 4.68 1% succinic acid + ammonium sulfate 7 4% caprylic acid + 62.1 57.4 119.5 4.6 2% succinic acid + ammonium sulfate *For 60 G/a: 7 total pots/treatment, testing redroot pigweed, foxtail and velvetleaf For spray to drip: 6 total pots/treatment, testing foxtail, dry beans and pigweed For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations (ratings) done for plants treated at both 60 G/a and spray to drip All treatments included Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) at 1% Caprylic acid and succinic acid, as v/v and wt/v, respectively, in water Succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero. Caprylic acid + succinic acid was synergistic

EXAMPLE 24

Herbicidal activity: comparison of fatty acids, when combined with succinic acid and sodium salicylate Total Injury ratings, combined for two separate evaluations* pH, spray Spray Average Treatment solution 60 G/a to drip Total rating/pot 1 3% butyric acid + succinic/NaSal 3.8 102.3 52.5 154.8 4.3 2 3% valeric acid + succinic/NaSal 3.9 105 53.8 158.8 4.41 3 3% caproic acid + succinic/NaSal 4.4 104.9 51.9 156.8 4.36 4 3% heptanoic acid + succinic/NaSal 4.5 108.9 54.1 163 4.53 5 3% caprylic acid + succinic/NaSal 4.5 112.4 55.5 167.9 4.67 6 3% pelargonic acid + succinic/NaSal 4.5 111.9 56.6 168.5 4.68 7 3% oleic acid + succinic/NaSal 4.5 105 53.2 158.2 4.39 8 3% caprylic/capric + succinic/NaSal 4.6 114.3 57.3 171.6 4.77 *For 60 G/a: 12 total pots/treatment, testing redroot pigweed, wheat, foxtail and velvetleaf For spray to drip: 6 total pots/treatment, testing redroot pigweed, foxtail and velvetleaf For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations (ratings) done for plants treated at both 60 G/a and spray to drip All treatments included 0.3% Hasten Fatty acids at v/v and succinic acid (1%) and sodium salicylate (1%) at wt/v, in water Caprylic/capric: caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1% respectively (per Henkel Corporation) No apparent correlation between pH of spray solutions (including Hasten) and herbicidal activity.

EXAMPLE 25

Synergistic relationships between 5% caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid: desiccation of cotton plants Average percent Average of foliage Rating desiccated Treatment 2 20 5% c/c 4 70 0.5% succinic and 5% c/c 4 60 1% succinic and 5% c/c 4 70 2% succinic and 5% c/c * Average rating based on 1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation of foliage Test plant: DeltaPine NuCotn 33-b, open boll c/c = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water All treatments contained 1% Emsorb 6900 Treatment of plants with succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero caprylic/capric and succinic at these concentrations were synergistic

EXAMPLE 26

Synergistic relationships between 5% caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid Average rating: degree of plant damage (1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation) 60 G/acre Spray to drip Treatment Ingredients 4.14 4.61 5% c/c 4.33 4.83 0.5% succinic and 5% c/c 4.43 4.82 1% succinic and 5% c/c 4.41 4.71 2% succinic and 5% c/c Test plants: cotton (DeltaPine NuCotn 33b), potatoes (Snowden), pigweed, sudan grass, wheat, foxtail, dry beans and velvetleaf c/c = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water All treatments contained 1% Emsorb 6900 Treatment of plants with succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero Caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid were synergistic

EXAMPLE 27

Synergistic relationship between caprylic/capric (c/c) and succinic acid, as harvest aids for potatoes and cotton Average rating: degree of plant damage (1-5, where 5 = complete desiccation) Average, 2 evaluations Cotton Potatoes Treatment Ingredients 3.75 4.1 8% c/c 4.35 4.25 0.5% succinic and 8% c/c 4.65 4.15 1% succinic and 8% c/c 4.65 4.35 2% succinic and 8% c/c Cotton (DeltaPine NuCotn 33b) and potatoes (Snowden) were at full maturity Application volume/acre was 40 G/a C/C = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Treatment of plants with succinic acid, alone, had a rating of zero Caprylic/capric (C/C) and succinic acid is synergistic

EXAMPLE 28

Herbicidal activities: synergy between succinic acid and pelargonic acid Total injury ratings* Spray Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a to drip Total 1 4% pelargonic acid 41.6 45.6 66.2 153.4 2 4% pelargonic acid + 42.8 46.7 66.3 155.8 0.5% succinic acid 3 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 *For 40 G/a: 9 total pots/treatment, testing crab grass, pigweed, chick weed and foxtail *for 60 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing pigweed, Kentucky bluegrass, foxtail, crab grass and barnyard grass *For spray to drip: 7 total pots/treatment, testing Kentucky bluegrass, pigweed, barnyard grass, foxtail and velvetleaf For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1-5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants All treatments included 1.125% Emsorb 6900 (v/v)

EXAMPLE 29

Synergistic relationships with caprylic/capric acids (c/c) Average relative Average Treatment Injury rating* rating Ingredients 60 G/acre Spray to drip per pot Compound (1%) 4.5 4.57 4.52 3% c/c 4.49 4.59 4.54 urea 3% c/c 4.56 4.33 4.45 sorbic acid 3% c/c 4.46 4.33 4.4 di-sodium succinate 3% c/c 4.62 4.5 4.58 ammonium tartrate 3% c/c 4.53 4.52 4.53 methyl salicylate 3% c/c 4.56 4.47 4.52 potassium salicylate 3% c/c 4.6 4.61 4.61 succinic acid 3% c/c *For 60 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing lambsquarter, pigweed, foxtail and barnyard grass *For spray to drip: 5 total pots/treatment, testing pigweed, sudan grass, foxtail, barnyard grass and velvetleaf For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants c/c = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water

EXAMPLE 30

Herbicidal activity on cotton foliage: synergistic relationships between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acid (c/c) combinations Total injury ratings, combined, for two separate evaluations* Average Treatment 60 G/a rating/pot 1 4% c/c 18.5 3.08 2 4% c/c + 0.5% succinic acid 21.4 3.57 3 5% c/c 22.4 3.73 4 5% c/c + 0.5% succinic acid 25.7 4.28 5 6% c/c 25.3 4.22 *For 60 G/a: 3 total pots/treatment, testing cotton (DeltaPine NuCotn 33b) For each pot, a rating of 1-5 was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all foliage Two independent evaluations (ratings) completed All treatments included Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) at 1% Caprylic/capric (caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively), Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Since succinic acid tested alone had a rating of zero, caprylic/capric + succinic acid was synergistic Herbicidal activity: 5% c/c + 0.5% succinic acid > 6% c/c

EXAMPLE 31

Herbicidal activities: synergistic relationships between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acid (c/c) combinations Total injury ratings, combined for two separate evaluation* Average Spray Total rating Treatment 60 G/a to drip Rating per pot 1 4% c/c 123.3 41.5 164.8 4.12 2 4% c/c + 0.5% 128.1 45.1 173.2 4.33 succinic acid 3 5% c/c 129.9 46.3 176.2 4.41 4 5% c/c + 0.5% 134.5 46.5 181 4.53 succinic acid 5 6% c/c 133.9 46.8 180.7 4.52 *For 60 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing nightshade, pigweed, foxtail barnyard grass, sudan grass and cotton (DeltaPine NuCotn 33b) *For spray to drip: 5 total pots/treatment, testing Kentucky bluegrass, nutsedge, barnyard grass, sudan grass and foxtail For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations (ratings) done for plants treated at both 60 G/a and spray to drip All treatments included Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) at 1% Caprylic/capric (caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively), Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Since succinic acid, alone had a rating of zero, caprylic/capric + succinic acid was synergistic

EXAMPLE 32

General screening of candidate compounds: to examine for synergistic relationships with caprylic/capric acids (c/c) Average Treatment Ingredients Average relative injury rating* rating Compound 40 G/acre 60 G/acre Spray to drip per pot (equimolar amounts) c/c 4.21 4.43 4.44 4.35 3% c/c 4.35 4.47 4.54 4.44 succinic acid (1%) + 3% c/c 4.35 4.49 4.61 4.47 ammonium succinate (1.26%) + 3% c/c 4.36 4.42 4.4 4.4 ammonium sulfate (1.12%) + 3% c/c 4.35 4.5 4.59 4.47 ammonium tartrate (1.42%) + 3% c/c *For 40 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing chickweed, lambsquarter, Kentucky bluegrass, redtop and rye *For 60 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing giant and green foxtail, pigweed and crabgrass *For spray to drip: 7 total pots/treatment, testing Kentucky bluegrass, nutsedge, pigweed, Johnson grass, foxtail and sudan grass For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants c/c = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water

EXAMPLE 33

Herbicidal activity: storage stability of fatty acid/succinic acid-based formulations Average scores, for all 6 formulations (rating per pot, 2-20 plants/pot) Before storage After storage Barnyard grass 4.73 4.8 Foxtail 4.68 4.68 Formulations stored one week (average day and night time temperatures were 90 and 75 degrees, Fahrenheit, in the greenhouse) and re-tested, via spray to drip applications on same test plant varieties 4% caprylic, 4% caprylic/capric and 4% pelargonic (+/− 0.5% succinic acid) were tested or a total of 6 formulations, each containing 1.125% Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) A rating of 1-5 was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Fatty acids were v/v and succinic acid was wt/v, in water Note: ratings for individual fatty acid treatments (+/− succinic acid), before and after storage, were similar

EXAMPLE 34

Herbicidal combinations of caprylic/capric (c/c) or pelargonic acid, with equimolar amounts of succinic acid and ammonium succinate, on weed varieties Total Injury ratings* Spray Average Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a to drip Total rating/pot 1 3% c/c 85.5 60.2 36.1 181.8 4.33 2 3% c/c + 1% succinic acid 88.1 62.5 36.7 187.3 4.46 3 3% c/c + 1.26% ammonium succinate 88.8 60.8 37.4 187 4.45 4 3% pelargonic acid 87.7 60.8 37.3 185.8 4.42 5 3% pelargonic acid + 1% succinic acid 865.9 62.2 38 187.1 4.45 6 3% pelargonic acid + 1.26% ammonium succinate 87.6 61.2 36.9 185.7 4.42 *For 40 G/a: 10 total pots/treatment, testing crab grass, chickweed and common lambsquarter *For 60 G/a: 7 total pots/treatment, testing redtop, pigweed, foxtail For spray to drip: 8 total pots/treatment, testing barnyard grass, foxtail, sudan grass and nutsedge For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations for both 40 and 60 G/a and one evaluation for spray to drip All treatments included Emsorb 6900 (Henkel) at 1% Caprylic/capric (caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1% respectively), i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Amounts of succinic acid and ammonium succinate used were equimolar amounts Since succinic acid (or ammonium succinate) tested alone had a rating of zero, pelargonic acid (or c/c) + succinic acid (or ammonium succinate) were synergistic. The exception was: 3% pelargonic acid + 1.26% ammonium succinate

EXAMPLE 35

Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra at 1 pint/acre (No Sylgard or any other surfactant used) Average Days after treatment: relative injury ratings* rating Day #6 Day #9 Day #11 Day #14 per pot 1 RU 10.5 17.1 15.9 17.5 1.91 2 RU + ams 18.3 17.6 18.4 21.6 2.37 3 RU + ams + 0.5% succinic acid 21 20.3 24.3 25.7 2.85 4 RU + ams + 1.5% succinic acid 19.4 18.6 24.2 27.3 2.8 5 RU + 0.5% succinic acid 16.7 14.2 16 20.5 2.11 6 RU + 1.5% succinic acid 16.8 16.1 18.6 23.6 2.35 *8 total pots/treatment, testing Kentucky bluegrass, barnyard grass, crab grass, pigweed, redtop, nutsedge, wheat and foxtail. For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants RoundUp Ultra was at 1 pint/acre and ammonium sulfate, when used, was at 2% Spray application at 60 G/acre Succinic acid tested alone had a rating of zero. RoundUp Ultra, alone or RoundUp Ultra + ammonia sulfate were synergistic with succinic acid

EXAMPLE 36

Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra at 1 pint/acre Average Days after treatment: relative injury ratings* rating Treatment Day #6 Day #9 Day #11 Day #14 per pot 1 RU 29 30.2 31.5 29.8 3.35 2 RU + ams 30.8 32.9 34.7 32.5 3.64 3 RU + ams + 0.5% succinic acid 30.2 32.7 35.5 34.5 3.69 4 RU + ams + 1.5% succinic acid 34.6 35.7 37.8 37.4 4.04 5 RU + 0.5% succinic acid 32.8 33.9 35.1 35.4 3.81 6 RU + 1.5% succinic acid 32.5 31.2 32.6 32.5 3.58 *9 total pots/treatment, testing barnyard grass, green foxtail, sudan grass and pigweed. For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants RoundUp Ultra was at 1 pint/acre and ammonium sulfate, when used, was at 2% Sylgard 309 (0.3%) added immediately before spray application at 60 gallons/acre Succinic acid tested alone had a rating of zero. RoundUp Ultra, alone or RoundUp Ultra + ammonium sulfate were synergistic with succinic acid.

EXAMPLE 37

Enhancement of RoundUp Ultra (+/− ammonium sulfate or Ams) herbicidal activity, using succinic acid amendments RoundUp Ultra (RU) at 1 quart per acre Average Days after treatment: relative injury ratings* rating Treatment Day #5 Day #8 Day #10 Day #13 Day 17 per pot 1 RU 32.7 29.9 28.6 29.5 31.4 3.8 2 RU + ams 33.3 33.6 30.7 34.5 36.6 4.22 3 RU + ams + 0.5% succinic acid 34 34.5 32.4 35.3 36.7 4.32 4 RU + ams + 1.5% succinic acid 35.3 35.6 32.5 35.3 38.4 4.43 5 RU + 0.5% succinic acid 33.8 30.9 30.3 31 33.1 3.98 6 RU + 1.5% succinic acid 33.7 30.2 31 33.6 34 4.06 *8 total pots/treatment, testing sudan grass, green foxtail, barnyard grass and pigweed For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants RoundUp Ultra was at 1 quart/acre and ammonium sulfate, when used, was at 2%, wt/v Sylgard 309 (0.3%) added immediately before spray application at 60 gallons/acre Succinic acid tested alone had a rating of zero. RoundUp Ultra, alone or RoundUp Ultra + ammonium sulfate were synergistic with succinic acid

EXAMPLE 38

Enhancement of herbicidal activity of RoundUp Ultra/ ammonium sulfate testing selected amendments pH, spray Days after treatment: injury ratings* average Treatment solution Day #4 Day #7 Day 11 Day #13 average per test 1 RU/ams 4.51 32.3 44.1 50 50.8 44.3 4.03 2 RU/ams + succinic acid 1.77 39.3 46.3 50.7 51.4 46.9 4.26 3 RU + ams + ammonium succinate 3.71 36.2 46.2 51.3 52.3 46.5 4.23 4 RU + ams ammonium tartrate 4.78 35.7 46 49.3 50.2 45.3 4.12 5 RU/ams + tartaric acid 1.27 33.9 46.9 50.7 51.5 46.2 4.2 6 RU/ams + citric acid 1.38 34.6 46.7 50.7 51.4 45.7 4.15 7 RU/ams + L-malic acid 1.59 34.6 47.7 51.1 51.8 46.3 4.21 8 RU/ams + acetic acid 2.51 33.7 47.1 50.8 51.3 45.7 4.15 *11 total pots/treatment, testing velvetleaf, crab grass, sudan grass, redtop, green foxtail and barnyard grass. For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete desiccation Equimolar amounts of amendments used: 1.5% succinic acid, 1.89% ammonium succinate, 2.17% ammonium tartrate, 1.91% tartaric acid, 2.45% citric acid, 1.71% L-malic acid, 0.77% acetic acid RoundUp Ultra (1.5 pints/acre) and 2% ammonium sulfate (ams) used in all treatments Sylgard (0.3%) added immediately before spray application at 60 gallons/acre Amendments used independently had a rating of zero. All amendments had a synergistic relationship with RU/ams; i.e., each amendment enhanced RU/ams herbicidal activity over ratings for RU/ams (containing no amendments). No apparent correlation between pH of spray solutions (including Sylgard) and herbicidal activity was found.

EXAMPLE 39

Enhancement of herbicidal activity of caprylic/capric acids (c/c), using selected compounds at equimolar amounts Days after treatment: Average relative injury ratings* rating Treatment Day #2 Day #4 Day #5 per pot 1 3% c/c 30 27.6 30.3 3.66 2 3% c/c + succinic 35.8 33.6 35.1 4.35 acid (1%) 3 3% c/c + di-ammonium 35.1 32.5 34.2 4.24 succinate (1.26%) 4 3% c/c + ammonium 35.5 33.6 34.4 4.3 sulfate (1.12%) 5 3% c/c + ammonium 35.9 33.6 34.2 4.32 tartrate (1.42%) 6 succinic acid (1%) 0 0 0 0 7 di-ammonium 0 0 0 0 succinate (1.26%) 8 ammonium sulfate (1.12%) 0 0 0 0 9 ammonium tartrate (1.42%) 0 0 0 0 *8 total pots/treatment, testing chickweed, redtop, velvetleaf, crabgrass and green foxtail For each pot (2-20 plants/pot), a rating of 1 to 5 given, where 5 was complete injury/desiccation of all plants All treatments included 0.86% Emsorb 6900 and 0.43% mineral oil c/c = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1% respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Application volume was 40 G/acre Synergistic relationships exist between 3% c/c and each amendment tested

EXAMPLE 40

Desiccation of cotton foliage: Interaction of RoundUp Ultra and caprylic acid/capric acid (+/− succinic acid) Day after treatment: average rating* Total Treatment 1 2 5 7 10 12 Rating 1 RU + 2% AMS 0 0 6 6 7 7 26 2 RU + 2% AMS 4% C/C 18 16 15 15 15 16 95.9 3 RU + 2% AMS 4% C/C + 1% succinic acid 18 17 17 17 16 18 103.2 4 RU + 2% AMS 1% succinic acid 0 0 7.2 6.5 7.7 8.8 30.2 5 2% AMS 4% C/C + 1% succinic acid 18 17 18 17 18 17 105.4 6 2% AMS 4% C/C 18 17 18 18 18 17 104.8 *Visual rating of 1 to 5, where 5 = complete desiccation of all cotton plants (4 plants per treatment group, each plant receiving a rating of 1-5) Cotton variety = DeltaPine NuCotn 33b, at open boll, when treated RoundUp Ultra at 1 quart/acre delivered at 60 G/a Each treatment contained 1.14% Emsorb 6900 and 0.57% mineral oil Caprylic/capric (caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1% respectively), i.e., Henkels, Emery 658, used at v/v, in water AMS = ammonium sulfate Succinic acid had a rating of zero. Combination of succinic acid with other ingredients was synergistic.

EXAMPLE 41

Synergistic relationship between succinic acid and caprylic/capric acids C/C, relating to herbicidal activity Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average rating Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a Total per pot 1 4% caprylic/capric 87.3 80.7 168 4.42 2 4% caprylic/capric + 88.6 82.1 170.7 4.49 1% succinic 3 4% caprylic/capric + 89.9 82.7 172.6 4.54 0.5% succinic 4 4% caprylic/capric + 90.3 82.6 172.9 4.55 0.5% succinic + 0.5% sodium salicylate 5 0.5% succinic acid 0 0 0 0 6 0.5% sodium salicylate 1 0.5 1.5 0.04 7 5% caprylic/capric 92 82.8 174.8 4.6 8 5% caprylic/capric + 91.6 83.9 175.5 4.62 0.5% succinic acid *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Two independent evaluations were made for both 40 and 60 gallons/acre applications For 40 G/acre: Canadian thistle, velvet leaf, Johnson grass and giant foxtail For 60 G/acre: velvetleaf, Johnson grass and giant foxtail were tested C/C = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively; i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water Succinic acid and sodium salicylate were added at wt/volume All treatments included Henkel's Emery 6900 and mineral oil; i.e., for each 1% of caprylic/capric, 0.286 and 0.143% of 6900 and mineral oil were included in each treatment

EXAMPLE 42

Herbicidal activity: comparison of caprylic, pelargonic and an equimolar mixture of caprylic and pelargonic acids Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average Treatments rating (equimolar comparison) 40 G/acre 60 G/acre per pot 1 3% caprylic 40.8 51.6 4.16 2 3.375% pelargonic 43 53.6 4.41 3 1.5% caprylic + 43 53.6 4.41 1.69% pelargonic 4 4% caprylic 44.1 54.5 4.49 5 4.5% pelargonic 45.1 53.9 4.51 6 2% caprylic + 44.6 54.2 4.51 2.25% pelargonic *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants For 40 G/acre: chickweed, redroot pigweed, lambsquarter and green foxtail were tested For 60 G/acre: chickweed, redroot pigweed, lambsquarter, green foxtail, crabgrass and wheat were tested Caprylic and pelargonic acids were used at volume/volume All treatments included Henkel's Emsorb 6900 and mineral oil: for each 1% of caprylic or pelargonic acid, 0.286 and 0.143% of 6900 and mineral oil were included in each treatment.

EXAMPLE 43

Herbicidal enhancement of pelargonic by succinic acid and diammonium succinate Injury ratings based on 2 independent evaluations* Average Spray rating Treatment 40 G/a 60 G/a to drip per pot 1 2.5% Scythe 78.7 103 53.6 4.36 active ingredients 2 2.5% pelargonic 79.2 102.2 53.8 4.36 3 2.5% pelargonic + 81.7 105.1 55.3 4.48 0.5% succinic 4 2.5% pelargonic + 80.2 105.5 55.1 4.46 2% succinic 5 2.5% pelargonic + 80.9 105.4 54.4 4.46 2% diammonium succinate 6 2.22% caprylic/capric 80.3 103.4 51.5 4.36 (C/C) *For each pot, a rating (1 to 5) was given, where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants 40 G/a: lambsquarter, velvetleaf and green foxtail were tested 60 G/a: pigweed, chickweed, crabgrass, green foxtail, velvetleaf, lambsquarter and wheat were tested Spray to drip: nutsedge, velvetleaf, green foxtail, giant foxtail and barnyard grass were tested C/C = Caprylic, capric, caproic and lauric at 58, 40, 1 and 1%, respectively, i.e., Henkel's Emery 658, used at v/v, in water The active ingredients in Scythe, (pelargonic acid) and caprylic/capric (Henkel's Emery 658) were compared on equimolar basis

EXAMPLE 44

Synergistic Relationship between Succinic or Citric acid and Caprylic Acid, Testing Dry Beans Treatment effects 3 days after single, foliar application Green Foliage Yellow Foliage Overall Foliage Overall Foliage Treatment Effect Affected (%) Effect Affected (%) Na Salicylate (2%) 5 90 5 >90 Na Salicylate (0.5%) 2  5-10 1 30 Na Salicylate (0.5%) + 1  5-10 1 30 Citric Acid (0.5%) Na Sallcylate (0.5%) + 1.5  5-10 1 >40 Succinic Acid (0.5%) Citric Acid (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 0 0 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.5  10-15 2 70 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 3.5 30 3 90 Citric Acid (0.5%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 4 50 4 >90 Succinic Acid (0.5%) Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Dry bean variety = Vista Citric acid and succinic acid showed synergistic effect

EXAMPLE 45

Greater Effect by Succinic Acid over Calcium Succinate, when used with Sodium Salicylate, Testing Several Plant Varieties* overall effect, 9 evaluations Treatments (average) Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Succinic Acid (1%) 2.89 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Calcium Succinate (1%) 1.44 Overall effect: higher score = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) *Test plants: weed varieties, shrub foliage, covergrass, turf and soybeans

EXAMPLE 46

Confirmation of Example 45, Testing Turf and Shrub Foliage Treatment effects 1, 2, 4 and 7 days after a single, foliar application Overall effect, 17 evaluations Treatments (average) Sodium Salicylate (1%) 1.35 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Succinic Acid (2%) 2.59 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Calcium Succinate (2%) 2.18 Succinic Acid (2%) 0.24 Overall effect: higher score = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Succinic acid and calcium succinate showed synergistic effect

EXAMPLE 47

Effects of desiccants and desiccant combinations with other compounds on young potato plants Injury ratings of treated plants Treatment (hours or days after application) All evaluations # ingredients 1.5 hr 1 3 6 17 22 27 (total score) 1 1% caprylic 2 2 3 2 2.5 3 3 17.5 2 1% caprylic + 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal 3 5 5.5 5 5.5 5.5 4 29.5 3 1% caprylic + 1% tartaric 2 3 3.5 3 3.4 4 3 23 4 1% caprylic + 0.5% dimethyl succinic acid 2 3 3 3 3 3.5 3 21.5 5 1% caprylic + 0.5% beta-alanine 1 2 2 2 2.5 3 2.5 15 6 1% caprylic + 1% succinic 3 4 3 4 5 5.5 4.5 30 7 2% caprylic 3.5 5 5 5 5 5.5 5.5 34.5 8 2% caprylic + 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal 4.5 6 6 6 6 6 6 40.5 sodium salicylate 9 2% caprylic + 1% tartaric 3.5 5 5 5 5 5.5 5.5 34.5 Caprylic acid and dimethyl succinic acid added v/v; all other compounds added at wt/v. All solutions in 50% acetone, with solution (20 mls) sprayed 2 feet from plant canopy. Helena Kinetic at 0.2% included in each solution. All plants grown in green house (day time temp = 80-100 degrees, Fahrenheit) Higher evaluation scores represent greater degree of vine and foliage desiccation. A “6” = complete desiccation. Summary: a) addition of succinic or tartaric acid to 1% caprylic acid >> 1% caprylic acid, (b) combination of NaSal + tartaric (or succinic acid) to caprylic acid were the best treatments

EXAMPLE 48

Synergistic Relationships Between: Succinic Acid + Caprylic Acid Succinic Acid + Sodium Salicylate Treatment effects 3 days after a single, foliar application, testing soybeans Overall Foliage Treatment Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (1%) 2.5 25-30 Caprylic Acid (1%) + Succinic Acid (1%) 3 30-35 Succinic Acid (1%) 0 0 Sodium Salicylate (1%) 1.5 15-20 Sodium Salicylate (1%) + Succinic Acid (1%) 3.5 40-50 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation Soybean variety = Stine 2250

EXAMPLE 49

Enhancement of Scythe's herbicidal activity by selected compounds Independent evaluations of snapbean and potato plants, hours/days after application of desiccants Treat- 1.5 hours 2 days 11 days 15 days Totals, all evaluations ment # Treatment Ingredients beans potatoes beans potatoes beans potatoes beans potatoes Beans Potatoes All 1 2% NaSalicylate 1 0 1 1 1.5 1 1 1 4.5 3 7.5 2 4% Scythe 3 3 3.5 2.5 2 2 1 2 9.5 9.5 19 3 4% Scythe + 2% NaSal 4 3 5 3.5 3 3 2 3 14 12.5 26.5 4 4% Scythe + 0.25% tartaric 4 3 4 3 2.5 2.5 3 2 13.5 10.5 24 5 4% Scythe + 0.5% tartaric 4 4 5.5 3 3 2 4 1.5 16.5 10.5 27 6 4% Scythe + 1% tartaric 4 3.5 6 3.5 3 3 3 2 16 12 28 7 4% Scythe + 1% NaSal 3 3 4.5 3 2.5 2.5 2 2 12 10 22 8 4% Scythe + 0.5% NaSal 3 3 4.5 2 1.5 1.5 1 1.5 10 8 18 9 4% Scythe + 1% caprylic 4 4.5 5 3.5 2 3.5 1 3.5 12 15 27 10 4% Scythe + 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal 4 5 5.5 5 3.5 4 3 5 16 19 35 11 4% Scythe + 1% citric acid 4 3 6 3 2.5 2 2 2 145 10 24.5 Solutions applied at 40 gallons/acre, containing 0.1% Helena Kinetic. All plants grown in greenhouse (day temperature was 80-100 degrees, fahrenheit). Higher rating scores represent greater degree of desiccation. A “6” = complete desiccation. Scythe and caprylic acid added v/v. All other compounds added wt/v. Summary: a) all combinations with Scythe (except 0.5% NaSal) improved performance, b) best combination was 4% Scythe with 0.5% tartaric + 0.5% NaSal, c) increasing the concentration of tartaric acid with 4% Scythe had little effect

EXAMPLE 50

Synergistic Relationships Between Succinic Acid and Caprylic Acid at Different Application Rates, Testing Soybeans Treatment effects 2 days after a single, foliar application Two Independent Sites (average of 2 sites) Overall Foliage Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (0.2%) 0.5 1.25 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.25 9 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 4 22.3 Caprylic Acid (0.2%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) 1.5 6.5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) 3 15 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) 4.25 26 Succinic Acid (1.0%) 0 0 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L - Lactic Acid (1.0%) 2.75 15 L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) 0.5 1.25 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Soybean variety = Stine 2250 Succinic acid and lactic acid had synergistic effect

EXAMPLE 51

Synergy Comparisons of Various Organic Acids with Caprylic Acid, Testing Soybeans Treatment effects 3 days after a single, foliar application Two Independent Sites (average of 2 sites) Overall Foliage Treatments Effect Affected (%) Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 1.5 5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 2.75 17.5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 2 11.5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2.25 12.5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 2.25 11.5 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + CitricAcid (0.5%) 2.75 17.5 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 0 0 L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 0 0 CitricAcid (0.5%) 0 0 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Soybean variety = Stine 2250 Tartaric, malic, succinic, lactic and citric acid showed synergistic effects

EXAMPLE 52

Synergistic Relationships Between Succinic Acid and Caprylic Acid (or Sodium Salicylate), Testing Turf Treatment effects 2 days after a single, foliar application Overall Treatments Effect Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 2 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 3 Succinic Acid (0.5) 0 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) 1.5 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation)

EXAMPLE 53

Effects of Various Compounds on Caprylic Acid Testing Turf and Covergrass Treatment effects 1, 3, 6, 7 and 11 days after a single, foliar application at two, independent sites Overall Effect 10 Evaluations Treatments (average) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 2.45 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.6 Caprylic Acid (1.0) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 3.8 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine (0.5%) 3.45 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 3.1 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Adipic acid, tartaric acid, unipine and sodium salicylate showed synergistic effects

EXAMPLE 54

Effects of Various Compounds on Caprylic Acid Testing Turf and Shrub Foliage Treatment effects 3, 4, 6 and 7 days after a single, foliar application Overall Effect 29 Evaluations Treatments (average) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 1.05 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.19 Caprylic Acid (1.0) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 2.19 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine (0.5%) 2.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 2.05 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.95 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 2.16 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.47 Overall effect: higher scores = greater effect (where 5 equals profound desiccation) Adipic acid, tartaric acid, unipine, sodium salicylate, succinic acid, lactic acid and citric acid showed synergistic effects

EXAMPLE 55

Measurement of pH Values for Test Desiccants pH Value Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 3.30 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.07 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.49 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.67 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.69 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.51 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.52 L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 1.69 Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.94 L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.93 Citric Acid (0.5%) 1.64 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 3.55 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 1.77 Succinic Acid (1.0%) 1.85 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) 5.63 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2.9 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 3.93 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Adipic Acid (0.5%) 2.69 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Malic Acid (0.5%) 2.17 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 2.07 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Unipine 90 (0.5%) 4.06 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 4.29

EXAMPLE 56

Measurement of pH Values for Test Desiccants pH Value Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) 4.48 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) 2.76 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Succinic Acid (1.0%) + 2.78 Caprylic Acid (0.5%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 4.2 Succinic Acid (1.0%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) 2.24 Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.46 L-Tartaric Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.82 L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 3.24 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.32 Succinic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.02 L-Lactic Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 1.58 L-Tartaric Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 5.12 Unipine 90 Acid (1.0%) Sodium Salicylate (0.5%) + Caprylic Acid (0.5%) + 2.78 Adipic Acid (1.0%) Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Gluconic Acid (0.5%) 2.49 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Succinic Acid (0.5%) 2.29 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + Beta-Alanine (0.5%) 4.4 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) 3.85 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.76 Caprylic Acid (1.0%) + L-Lactic Acid (0.5%) 1.95 L-Tartaric Acid (0.5%) 1.72 Beta-Alanine (0.5%) 6.65

EXAMPLE 57

Field trial comparisons of caprylic/capric and pelargonic acids on mixed weed varieties Average injury rating Treatment per plot* 1 3% caprylic/capric 3.95 2 3% caprylic/capric + 0.75% succinic acid 4.113 3 3% pelargonic 4.175 4 3% pelargonic + 0.75% succinic acid 4.213 *A rating of 1-5 given for each of 2 plots per treatment group where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Plot size: 6 × 9.3 feet Weed varieties: grasses (dominant), dandelion, pigweed, plantain and Canadian thistle Summary: addition of succinic acid was beneficial

EXAMPLE 58

Field trial comparisons of caprylic/capric and pelargonic acids on mixed weed varieties Average injury rating Treatment per plot* Canadian thistle: 1 3% caprylic/capric 2.58 2 3% caprylic/capric + 0.75% succinic acid 2.8 3 3% pelargonic 4.03 4 3% pelargonic + 0.75% succinic acid 4.35 Redwood pigweed: 1 4% caprylic/capric 3.1 2 6% caprylic/capric 4.55 3 6% pelargonic 4.35 *A rating of 1-5 given for each of 2 plots per treatment group where 5 was complete desiccation of all plants Plot size: 6 × 9.3 feet Summary: 1) although pelargonic acid was more effective for C. Thistle, caprylic/capric performed best on redroot pigweed, 2) addition of succinic acid was effective

EXAMPLE 59

Succinic Acids Potentiation of Sodium Salicylate, Testing Cotton Treatment effect 2 days after a single, foliar application Foliage Treatment Affected (%) Succinic Acid (1.0%) No effect Succinic Acid (1.0%) + Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) >70 Sodium Salicylate (1.0%) <70 Some foliage (all treatments except succinic acid, alone) beginning to drop

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above methods and in the compositions set forth, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language might be said to fall therebetween.

Particularly, it is to be understood that in said claims, ingredients or components recited in the singular are intended to include compatible mixtures of said ingredients wherever the sense permits. 

1. A method of providing a killing of plants which consists of a hebicidal composition which comprises a mixture of glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium in an effective amount to provide a herbicidal effect and a salicylate as an additive, wherein the mixture is more effective in providing an early herbicidal effect than either the glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium or the salicylate alone, to the plants so that the plants are killed.
 2. A method of providing a killing of plants which comprises a herbicidal composition which consists of a mixture of glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium in an effective amount to provide a herbicidal effect and sodium salicylate as an additive, wherein the mixture is more effective in providing the herbicidal effect than either the glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium or the salicylate alone, to the plants so that the plants are killed.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the composition has a mole ratio of glyphosate to sodium salicylate of between 1 to 10 and 20 to
 1. 